Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot has given sanction to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with charges related to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. This decision has been taken after the complaint filed by RTI activist TJ Abraham. After this decision, political tension has increased in the state.
The allegations against Siddaramaiah mainly relate to land allotment irregularities committed by the MUDA. It is alleged that by doing this he had benefited his wife Parvati Siddaramaiah. However, the Chief Minister has earlier rejected these allegations and claimed that he had not interfered in this matter when he was the CM. Siddaramaiah has demanded return of the authority’s land if it is available and other adequate land.
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Case of acquisition of three acres of land
In 2021, MUDA had acquired his 3-acre land in Kesar village for development. Later their lands were re-allocated to Vijayanagara, a rich city in Mysore. Critics claim that the market value of the allotted lands was much higher than the value of their land.
Case of rigging in the allocation process
Before granting permission for prosecution, the Governor had issued a show cause notice to Siddaramaiah on July 26, seeking clarification regarding the allegations against him. Abraham has also urged to take back the compensation lands allotted to Parvati, alleging that there was illegal manipulation during the land allotment process.
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Another allegation against Siddaramaiah
Activist Snehamoyi Krishna has filed a private criminal complaint against Siddaramaiah, accusing him of forging documents to claim MUDA land as family property. Governor’s approval is still required to investigate this complaint. However, CM Siddaramaiah has denied these allegations and called the allegations politically motivated.
Karnataka government minister Priyank Kharge said that Raj Bhavan is being misused by the BJP to weaken the democratically elected government. The constitutional head of the state is giving rise to a constitutional crisis to please his political masters. The central government can use its full force behind this, but we stand firmly with the Constitution.